At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students with engaging Food Technology lessons and practical classes.
- Company: Join River Academy, a rapidly growing school with high expectations.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on student success and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while fostering a love for food technology.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and a passion for teaching Food Technology.
The predicted salary is between 19751 - 30628 £ per year.
Location: 7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
Contract Type: Permanent, Part‑Time (0.6 FTE)
Salary: £19,751.00 – £30,628.00 annually (Actual)
Hours per week: 0.6 FTE
Start date: September 2026
Closing date: Midnight, Mon 15th Jun 2026
About This Role
River Academy is seeking to appoint a committed and inspiring Food Technology Teacher to join our growing school community. River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase to 541 as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently heavily oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups. River Academy is known for its high expectations and high levels of progress.
This is an excellent opportunity for a teacher who can plan, resource and deliver high‑quality Food Technology lessons at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. The successful candidate will motivate students to enjoy their learning, aim high and make strong progress. The role includes preparing materials and equipment for practical lessons, contributing to curriculum planning, using assessment effectively and supporting students to achieve excellent academic outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, resource and deliver highly effective and inspiring Food Technology lessons in line with the allocated timetable.
- Prepare materials and equipment to support the smooth and efficient operation of practical classes.
- Work with colleagues to design engaging and challenging schemes of work and lessons.
- Use assessment information, student starting points and regular feedback to monitor progress and put appropriate intervention in place.
- Maintain high expectations of behaviour, attendance, conduct and safety.
- Create a positive, nurturing and open learning environment where students feel safe and are encouraged to show curiosity and enthusiasm.
- Act as a form tutor and contribute to tutor periods and personal development sessions.
- Support inclusive practice and respond effectively to students’ needs and barriers to learning.
- Contribute to River Academy’s compulsory Electives programme, including after‑school provision one day per week.
- Support extra‑curricular activities, whole‑school events, professional development and the wider life of the school.
Qualifications
- A good quality degree.
- PGCE, or equivalent, in secondary education.
- Qualified Teacher Status.
- Secure subject knowledge in Food Technology.
- The ability to teach Food Technology effectively at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
- A strong understanding of effective teaching, learning, assessment and intervention.
- The ability to use data to monitor student progress and identify where support is needed.
- Well‑developed behaviour management skills.
- A caring and positive approach to students, with sensitivity to individual needs.
- A commitment to continued professional development and contributing to the wider life of the school.
About The School
River Academy is a purpose‑built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers. The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation.
About Maiden Erlegh Trust
Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.
Benefits
- Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto‑enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
- Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
- ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.
- Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to attend and deliver CPD.
- Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office‑based work where appropriate.
- Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources.
- Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.
- Mental Health First Aid support.
- Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the TeamMET community.
Equal Opportunities: Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Teacher of Food Technology at River Academy in Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
River Academy, part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development, offering a supportive environment for teachers to thrive. With a commitment to high academic standards and a diverse community, employees benefit from generous leave policies, comprehensive training opportunities, and a strong focus on collaboration and inclusivity. Located in Reading, the school provides state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant culture that encourages innovation and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher of Food Technology at River Academy in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, attend local teaching events, and connect with people in the food technology field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for food technology shine through. Share your ideas for engaging lessons and how you plan to inspire students at River Academy.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle classroom challenges or support diverse learners. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the River Academy team and contributing to our vibrant school community.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher of Food Technology at River Academy in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food Technology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Food Technology shine through! Share specific examples of how you've inspired students in the past and what innovative lessons you plan to bring to River Academy.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and expectations of River Academy. Highlight your experience with Key Stage 3 and 4, and how you can contribute to their high standards and inclusive environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily see your qualifications and how you fit into our school community.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at River Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Food Technology, especially the curriculum for Key Stage 3 and 4. Brush up on the latest trends and techniques in food education, as well as any relevant health and safety regulations. This will show your passion and commitment to the subject.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with River Academy's ethos and values. They’re all about high expectations and progress, so think about how you can contribute to that. Prepare examples of how you've motivated students in the past or how you plan to create an inspiring learning environment.
✨Showcase Your Planning Skills
Be ready to discuss how you would plan and deliver effective lessons. Think about how you can incorporate practical activities and assessments into your teaching. Bring along a sample lesson plan or two to demonstrate your organisational skills and creativity.
✨Be Ready for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions about how you handle classroom behaviour and support diverse learners. Have specific strategies in mind that you've used successfully before. Highlight your caring approach and how you adapt to meet individual student needs, which is crucial for fostering a positive learning environment.
